Engineering the future

By: Josh Leach

            Computer and robotic technologies are the largest growing fields in America.  According to the workforce and staffing solution company, Kelly Services, “U.S. computer-related or technology occupations are expected to grow at a much stronger rate (21.8 percent) than overall employment (14.3 percent) through 2020.”  People all over the world are competing for opportunities to become part of these ever progressing technologies.  At Seckman, the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) provides students of all ages with experience working in teams, designing, and programming.  The Robotics Club at Seckman High School is divided into two teams and participates in the FTC.  There are thousands of teams across America all competing to show off their ingenuity and hard work.

            The Robotics Club was started Seckman four years ago.  In that time, one team has made it to the statewide competition.  The club has done very well, overall, considering that its funding from Boeing ended after the first two years.  The members have fundraised and even donated their own money to keep the program running.  They have sold water bottles, light bulbs, and worked at the concession stands.  A lot of dedication has been needed to make the club successful.

            The program engages people in every aspect of engineering.  The FTC’s website states, “The FIRST Tech Challenge is more than a robotics program. We are a community focused on building a better world for tomorrow by engaging students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).”  Kelly Steinbrueck, a sponsor of the Robotics Club, says, “The students are getting experience they probably wouldn’t get otherwise.”  Members are learning valuable skills to apply in all areas of life.

            The club has high hopes for the future and is expanding.  More students are becoming interested in learning about programming and robotic technology.  The teams will also be competing at more competitions this year.  The club is currently fundraising to buy new software and parts for the robots.  Ryan Betlack, a senior, says, “All we need is some new equipment.”  The goal is to make it to the state competition again and to be more competitive.

            With all the problems facing the world today, such as climate change and terrorist threats, the next generation will need to be more innovative than ever.  There is a real need to perfect alternative energy sources and utilize technology to make people safer.  Whether students pursue a field in science and technology or not, they will need to be able to problem solve.  Humanity needs people to invent new solutions to old problems.